Benediction on the Eastern Plains

Benediction on the Eastern Plains

It’s hard to believe (and maybe a little sad) that Holt isn’t a real town on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Because when you read about the place, described plainly and elegantly, in Kent Haruf’s books, you can’t help but want to visit. The author of “Plainsong” and “Eventide” takes us back to fictional Holt in his latest novel, “Benediction.” At the center of the story is the owner of the local hardware store, Dad Lewis, who’s dying of cancer. His devoted wife is by his side. So is his daughter, who’s come from Denver to help care for him. Missing, though, is his son, a gay man who fled what was, for him, the torture of small town life. Haruf speaks with Ryan Warner.